Belarusian citizens stranded abroad after Minsk stopped renewing passports have won extra breathing space. Poland has quietly prolonged its special ‘travel document for a foreigner’ programme until 30 June 2026. Introduced in 2023, the booklet functions as an emergency passport and is indispensable for dissidents, remote IT workers and students whose Belarusian passports have expired.
More than 28 000 documents have been issued, according to parliamentary replies. Without the extension thousands would have lost legal stay and work rights in Poland, because residence-permit renewals require a valid travel document. Employers can now renew assignments and schedule business trips without forcing staff to re-enter Belarus.
For organisations and individuals who need hands-on guidance with these procedures, VisaHQ’s Warsaw office offers end-to-end support. Via https://www.visahq.com/poland/ the firm assists with online MOS submissions, visa checks for onward travel and courier logistics, ensuring that Belarusian employees, students and freelancers stay compliant while moving across borders.
![Poland extends emergency travel-document scheme for Belarusians to 30 June 2026]()
Mobility managers should nevertheless confirm that affected employees’ residence cards remain valid and that non-EU destinations recognise the Polish document for onward travel. Applications must now be filed online via the MOS platform, and voivodeship backlogs can stretch to three months, so early action is crucial.
Companies planning EU assignments should budget extra time for arrival checks at non-Schengen airports, where border guards may be unfamiliar with the document. Community groups urge applicants to carry explanatory leaflets (available in English and French) when travelling.
The extension illustrates Warsaw’s two-track policy: a tough stance against irregular entries from Belarus but active support for pro-democracy talent and tech skills welcomed by Polish employers.
More than 28 000 documents have been issued, according to parliamentary replies. Without the extension thousands would have lost legal stay and work rights in Poland, because residence-permit renewals require a valid travel document. Employers can now renew assignments and schedule business trips without forcing staff to re-enter Belarus.
For organisations and individuals who need hands-on guidance with these procedures, VisaHQ’s Warsaw office offers end-to-end support. Via https://www.visahq.com/poland/ the firm assists with online MOS submissions, visa checks for onward travel and courier logistics, ensuring that Belarusian employees, students and freelancers stay compliant while moving across borders.
Mobility managers should nevertheless confirm that affected employees’ residence cards remain valid and that non-EU destinations recognise the Polish document for onward travel. Applications must now be filed online via the MOS platform, and voivodeship backlogs can stretch to three months, so early action is crucial.
Companies planning EU assignments should budget extra time for arrival checks at non-Schengen airports, where border guards may be unfamiliar with the document. Community groups urge applicants to carry explanatory leaflets (available in English and French) when travelling.
The extension illustrates Warsaw’s two-track policy: a tough stance against irregular entries from Belarus but active support for pro-democracy talent and tech skills welcomed by Polish employers.
